AISB Annual Report 2017-2018

2017-2018

ANNUAL REPORT

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ABOUT THE ANNUAL REPORT This report is produced by AISB’s Admissions & External Relations Department.

To find out more about the school’s current activities, please visit www.aisb.ro The Annual Report is also available online at www.aisb.ro/about us For further information, please contact: Manager of Admissions & External Relations Mrs. Catalina Gardescu catalina@goaisb.ro © The American International School of Bucharest Designed by Mario Zamfir Produced by SchoolBrand LLC, www.schoolbrand.com Photography by Bogdan Greavu, www.bogdangreavu.com

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

CONTENTS 1 2 3 4

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Board Chair’s Review

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Director’s Review

08

Early Learning Center

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Elementary School

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Secondary School

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Admissions

25

Advancement & Fundrasing

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Communications

30

Alumni Report

32

Parent Survey

34

Facilities Report

36

Parent Community Report

37

PTO Grants

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Voting Members 2017-2018

Abigail Misciagno Rupp

George Mucibabici

James Stewart

Bryan Jardine

Peter Schretzmeir

Gabriel Zbârcea

Iosif Szavuj

Kim Vranceanu

Col. Scott Weston

Board Chair Governance Committee Chair Advancement Committee Member Advisory Committee Member DCM U.S. Embassy

Board Member Advisory Committee Chair Governance Committee Member Managing Partner Wolf Theiss Attorneys at Law

Board Member Facilities Committee Member Governance Committee Member Executive Director iNES

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Board Vice Chair Finance Committee Member Chairman Deloitte Romania

Board Member Facilities Committee Chair Policy Committee Member Managing Director Liebherr Romania

Board Member Policy Committee Member Advancement Committee Member Bucharest Properties, REIT

Board Member Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair Vice President Raiffeisen Bank

Board Member Advancement Committee Chair Advisory Committee Member Managing Partner Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii

Policy Committee Chair Governance Committee Member Advisory Committee Member Defense Attache U.S. Embassy

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

Abigail Misciagno Rupp Chair, Board of Trustees

BOARD CHAIR’S REVIEW

It is a pleasure to be presenting the American International School of Bucharest (AISB)’s 2017-18 Annual Report on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Every year we renew our commitment to engage, prepare, and inspire by reviewing what we achieved the previous year and what we can do together.

If we are going to keep improving, we should also accept that some change is inevitable. One big change this year was the incredible growth in enrollment.

That growth, spurred in part by the opening of the Early Learning Center, meant we spent most of the year working to support students, faculty, and staff through that growth.

The expansion of the Secondary School building is one concrete example, but there were many more from the increase in our recruitment, counseling, and support staff – to the need to increase flexibility in our cafeteria.

In 2017-18 we continued to be an inclusive community, which by the end of the year welcomed 984 students from 64 countries, speaking 35 native languages. To support this growth we added staff in all schools, including counselors, recruitment and HR staff, security professionals, and design teachers. These new hires join our stellar team of faculty and staff from all over the world.

And as always, thanks to the PTO, alumni, and trustees who sustain us and our community throughout the school year.

What comes next? Let us look towards the future. After an incredible (and still ongoing)

fundraising campaign for the Design Center, we are finalizing the plans for that building and the exciting curriculum it will embrace. We will also, sadly, have to say goodbye to Dr. Robert Brindley and ensure that the transition to our new Director, Peter Welch, is as smooth as possible to keep us moving forward as a learning community.

I look forward to this next year of achievement and growth and am grateful for the opportunity to be part of AISB. Abigail Misciagno Rupp Chair, Board of Trustees

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Robert Brindley Director

DIRECTOR’S REVIEW

Over the many years that I have been writing Board reports, I always repeat the same mistake by predicting that in the following year we will decrease the pace of change and minimize any effect on our daily routines.

This was not the case again in the last academic year, neither, I am sure, in the one to come. We need to constantly examine how we teach, what our students need to learn and the manner in which we support a learning environment that promotes respect and mutual understanding. Change is inevitable.

and drop-off areas, and with the completion of the ELC, with its own access road and parking, school traffic along Pipera Road has been reduced. Likewise, the installation of the new traffic lights at the front of the school has promoted pedestrian access from the surrounding areas, where many of our families live.

AISB has again grown this year with the school enrollment reaching 984 students; we are now reaching maximum capacity, so the Board’s strategic decision to again hire architects to improve the campus facilities and extend the Secondary School, after the completion of the wonderful Early Learning Centre (ELC) in August, is both timely and necessary. This project, to be fully completed by September 2018, will allow us to not only improve the quality and number of our classrooms but also to remove, finally, the many ‘temporary’ classrooms at the back of the school. Part of our architect’s brief was also to review parking

As well as the major capital projects, we have also invested in the existing infrastructure, particularly in the disciplines of Science, Design and Technology, to further improve the delivery of our curriculum in both the Elementary and Secondary Schools. With such projects in mind, we undertook our first major Fundraising Campaign, ‘Step in the Extraordinary’, with a target of 500,000 Euros for the Design and Engineering Center.

By December 2017, thanks to the many contributions from those within and without our community, we reached this target, and the first step in this three-phase project was undertaken. As I remarked in our

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campaign brochure, the challenges of tomorrow will be solved through an education that incorporates modern technologies, builds on the power of traditional practices and values, and of which is sustained and inspired within an environment that motivates.

Thus, a changing curriculum and reflection upon student attainment outcomes continue to be the focus of our attention so that we continue to improve, on a yearly basis, student learning that reflects not only traditional practices, but also the use of technology as a support for learning.

In supporting the engagement of students and the community to reduce our impact on the environment, we created the position of Environmental Change Agent, filled by Marion Siekierski. In the framework of the international ECOSCHOOL program, students in mixed age groups across the school identify environmental concerns at school and in the community and develop solutions to address them.

Throughout the year we started our preparation for a visit by our international accrediting agencies (International Baccalaureate Organization, New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools) for the Fall of 2019.

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

Through Ms. Abigail Rupp’s leadership as Chair of the Board, the work of our Trustees has continued to focus on key issues to ensure sound strategic and fiduciary development of this not-for-profit institution. Our Board members have also had a busy year in each of their respective committees.

The Facilities Committee, under the direction of Peter Schretzmeir continue to update the Campus Master Plan and propose development projects; the Finance Committee, chaired by Mr. James Stewart, has been updating the 10-year financial plan given the unexpected increase in enrollment this year; the Advancement Committee, chaired by Mr. Gabriel Zbarcea, led the capital campaign; Mr. Bryan Jardine ran the advisory Board whose mandate was to consider more long-term strategic issues and risk management; Mr. Matthew Jones directed the Board Policy review committee; and, Ms. Abigail Rupp focused within the Governance Committee on matters relating to the legal structure of the school as well as Board operations.

Our appreciation and recognition also go to Mrs. Sian Ashenden, president of the PTO, and her Executive Committee composed of Jema Ra’at, Barbara Drexler Vujčič, Dawn Kovacs, Despina Szavuj,

Fabiana Papastefani and Justine Christianopoulos: a group of diligent and caring community leaders, who have supported our school in so many different ways.

I am very appreciative of the work of Jon Cain, Secondary School Principal; Elyane Ruel, Elementary School Principal; and Rosella Diliberto, Early Learning Principal, for their vision and for always keeping student learning and well-being as their first priority.

They have received excellent support from Andrei Vacarus, Facilities Manager; Catalina Gardescu, Admissions and External Relations Manager; Roxana Lungu, Human Resources Manager, and Lia Comanescu, Business Manager.

It has also been a privilege to continue to work with Doina Andrian, Board of Trustees Liaison; and Cristina Marinescu, Assistant to the Director, who have always put in their very best effort for the school.

Lastly, I would like to thank our faculty and supporting staff who, following the precepts of the IB programme and our Mission, have continued to engage, prepare and inspire the students in our care.

AISB LEADERSHIP TEAM PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Doina Andrian Board of Trustees Liaison Cristina Marinescu Assistant to the Director Fiona Moss Secondary School Vice-Principal Jon Cain Secondary School Principal Elyane Ruel ES Principal Robert Brindley Director Rosella Diliberto ELC Principal Andrei Văcăruș Facilities Director Roxana Lungu HR Manager Lia Comanescu Business Manager Catalina Gărdescu Manager of Admissions & External Relations

Robert Brindley Director

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EARLY LEARNING CENTER REPORT Under the leadership of Mrs. Rosella Diliberto, the new Early Learning Center brings together 136 children between 2 and 6 years old in a dynamic, custom-designed environment. A fantastic space, state-of-the-art facility, newly built and opened in August 2017, caters to our youngest learners. The Early Learning students represent 29 nationalities, speak 24 languages, and engage with a team of more than 50 professional team members specializing in early childhood development.

Rosella Diliberto ELC Principal

MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE • Opened the doors to the new Early Learning Center (ELC) • Celebrated the opening of the ELC to the wider community via the the Dedication Day Ceremony PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Continued our partnership with Early Childhood Consultant, Anne van Dam • Continued our partnership with Leadership Consultant, Dr. Fran Prolman, who worked with our Learning Leaders to build their instructional leadership • Our Counselor and Learning Support teachers received Emotion Coaching training, which they passed onto our team

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• PYP Coordinator provided in-service training on Reggio-inspired pedagogical documentation practices • Worked with Language Learning Consultant, Sarah Ottow, to understand the impact of scaffolding language learning in the early years using the WIDA framework • Keep Safe (child protection) Training CURRICULAR INITIATIVES • Pedagogical Documentation: Teachers engaged in a variety of structures and systems to support this innovation: documentation carrousels, training, analytical and selfassessment protocols etc. We developed a culture of making learning visible throughout

the community, through the use of teacher produced documentation panels • Introduced digital portfolios Seesaw • Integrated Keep Safe (Child Protection) and Personal Social Physical and Emotional (PSPE) Curriculum • We supported OvidiuRo with several training sessions detailing our approaches to learning and teaching • Drama: this subject was infused into the curriculum supported by the PYPC • Outdoor spaces and learning were enhanced and better utilized by the PE department, staff and support from Anne Van Dam through PD • Transdisciplinary Integration: We used a POI integration

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

136 children 29 nationalities 24 languages 52 educators 61% MA / PhD 2017 new campus www.aisb.ro

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MUSIC • Tailoring the curriculum according to the children’s interests • Using the outdoor space for music and sound exploration • Utilization of small groups to allow the students more individual attention and the opportunity to share ideas PE • The implementation of the ‘SuperGym’ fundamental motor skill screening and remedial program

planner to generate ideas for integration and document what we are doing in this regard. We continue to use collaborative carrousels to maximize subject integration opportunities LIBRARY • Opening of new library space in the ELC with1/3 of our collection • Addition of Library/ Makerspace/ELC assistant (from December 2017) • Robust Schedule of Library Visitors: • Henry Evans (explorer and scientist) • Marissa Moss (American author and illustrator) • Matthew Friday (international storyteller and educator) • Outspoken Poetry (two American poets) • Gong Theatre (traditional Romanian folk tales Sibiu puppetry) • Steve Cole (British author and illustrator)

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DIGITAL ATELIER/MAKERSPACE • Opened digital atelier and invited students to participate in maker projects • Started a recycling collection program • Resourced the digital atelier wood, drills, hammers, screws, cork, bolts, string, pipes • Introduced technology into the digital atelier - green screen kit, photography, movie making ART • A successful EC4 Field Trip to Art Safari 2018 in the center of Bucharest • Implementing the Arts Early Years curriculum and learner agency in the Piazza Atelier Space, and utilizing the whole piazza as ‘one classroom’ • Small Groups: Allowing the students to have more individual attention and share ideas

• ‘Bring Your Own Wheels’ unit engaging students in learning that they could take with them outside of school • The introduction of morning movement enabled students to start school energized EC2-K LEARNING LEADER HIGHLIGHTS • End of Year Show format based on interests of the students (EC3) • Continuing to evolve in regard to documenting student learning and making it visible to the community (EC3) • Introducing Seesaw as our new digital portfolio for students.

This encouraged school-home collaboration and student agency as they began to independently add to their own portfolios (ALL) • Introduced a different way to lead student led conferences (ALL) • Designing provocations based on students’ interests (KG) • Children voice was more visible through documentation (KG)

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

ROMANIAN MOTHER TONGUE • Reviewed some units in Kindergarten with the curriculum coordinator to align and update best practices • Reflected and planned for future increased collaboration with the kindergarten team to find ways to make connections and teach trans-disciplinarily COUNSELING & LEARNING SUPPORT • Implemented a new Individual & Family Services plan to provide individuals and families with useful support at home and in school MOTHER TONGUE (MT) PROGRAM • The program supported students speaking Italian, Dutch, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Turkish • The MT coordinator met with the parents and presented a workshop focused on the importance of the students’ first language • The library organized “Reading in Mother Tongue” sessions for various members of the community

• Worked with Reggio trained Learning Support Specialist to help inform our support processes and documentation • Implemented Kidchats to allow teachers to express their concerns and receive feedback on students SPECIAL EVENTS/PROJECTS • Created a Parent Nook to support and encourage the presence of parents in the ELC center, especially during arrival and dismissal times

• Created the infrastructure for gardening boxes outside the dining room space to invite children to experience planting, observing the growth of living things, and harvesting • Converted the roadway behind the Kinder space to a “wheels track” so that students had a dedicated space to use bikes, trikes, scooters, roller blades, transportation vehicles on wheels CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES • Three 10-week seasons (Autumn, Winter, Spring), 12 different choices for the year (4 in Autumn & Winter season/ 6 in spring season) • Established 2 year-long activities: • Student-Lead Art • Gymnastics ADDITIONAL STAFFING POSITIONS • Established an ELC After School Care Program to support the needs of families and their young children

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Elyane Ruel ES Principal

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT

The AISB Elementary School welcomes 322 children between 6 and 11 years old. Led by Ms. Elyane Ruel, the Primary School is the most diverse school section at AISB with 40 nationalities represented. Students enjoy a diverse range of curricular and co-curricular activities to nurture their interests and passions.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Continued our partnership with Early Childhood Consultant, Anne van Dam, working on student agency and supporting the implementation of the Enhanced PYP • Continued our partnership with Leadership Consultant, Dr. Fran Prolman to build instructional leadership • Work with Sara Ottow, a consultant from WIDA (an inclusive language organization) for two weeks during the school year on meeting the needs of EAL students

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• As WIDA released a new tool for assessing international students, all PYP EAL teachers completed the WIDA Screener Paper Training Course and became certified administrators and raters CURRICULAR INITIATIVES Review of the Program of Inquiry The Program of Inquiry was fully reviewed to ensure a balance in the Science and Social Studies curriculum.

Digital Portfolios All students showcased their learning process and reflections

through the use of online portfolios. Seesaw for lower elementary (grades 1 and 2) and Google Blog for students in grades 3 ,4, and 5.

Implementation of the Makerspace The launch of the ES Makerspace during the 2017-18 school year brought students and teachers together to create, invent, prototype, design, tinker, explore, discover, code, build, craft, draft, draw and more. Throughout the year, all ES students worked individually or collaboratively using a variety of high and lowtech tools and materials.

TECHNOLOGY Students were exposed to new tools and skills that allowed them to express themselves creatively and collaboratively with a multimodel approach, such as green screen video making, graphic design principles through poster and eBook creation, photography capturing and editing, digital writing, as well as developing an online presence through digital portfolios.

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

322 children

40 nationalities

59 teachers

51% MA / PhD

35 languages 20 class size

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

“It is our duty to engage our students in meaningful learning that will last a lifetime, to prepare them to move into a world where they will have positive impact, and to inspire each of them to realize their own potential as responsible, internationally-minded citizens in an ever-growing global community. Valuing the role of education beyond academics, we provide an extensive combination of fine arts, sports, and service learning opportunities that challenge our students to grow and develop.” Elyane Ruel

ARTS (MUSIC & VISUAL ARTS) The Arts program, this year consisted of many special events, deeply enriched classes and an increase in students participation in co-curricular events across the school. Some highlights include: • CEESA Job-A-Like organized involving over 20 music teachers coming to AISB to have sessions with James Harding, an internationally recognized workshop leader of music and movement lesson ideas focusing on creative play • PYP talent show was a big success, with pupils from across the school showing off their skills and taking big risks (first year) • The foundations of the Elementary Design program (introductory units, scope & sequence) were drafted in conjunction with the Technology Integration Specialist

PHYSICAL EDUCATION • Supporting the Grade 5 PYP Exhibition through new PYP PE unit with the Central Idea: Sports can be an avenue towards social justice and change • Morning Movement: Established a new routine of

15 minutes of daily exercise to start the school days, focusing on raising heart rate, awareness and activating the students’ brains for learning • Incorporating mindfulness into PE classes • Students bringing their own wheels to use in PE

LEARNING SUPPORT • Complete overhaul of all PYP SEN documentation process further aligning the process with the Secondary School EXTENDED LEARNING • Organized & hosted the first Bucharest Math Olympiad EAL (ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE) • 121 students were tested through the EAL department to determine placement and best serve each individual

allow for better differentiation of student learning.

• Restructured the after-school French/Spanish lessons to allow for smaller groups.

• Romanian Mother Tongue worked with the PYP Coordinator to further integrate the Program of Inquiry into these lessons.

COUNSELLING • Counsellors participated in the training Keeping Safe Curriculum (together with the ELC and Secondary) • Rewrote the Elementary School Community Agreements with a focus on emotion coaching

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM: In the PYP alone, we offered 72 different co-curricular activities throughout the school year, which was operated in three seasons.

ADDITIONAL STAFFING

• Fifty-eight students received direct support through the language rotation

• Part-time Makerspace assistant

MODERN LANGUAGES

• Design Teacher

• Recruited the New PYP Vice Principal Position

• French and Spanish classes redesigned assessment tasks to

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SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT

Jon Cain Secondary School Principal

MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE • The first phase of the Design & Engineering Center (5 classes) was completed and provided additional space for Robotics and our Design classes • The Secondary School expansion began in October and continued throughout the school year

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: • A focus on improving the skills of all teachers in working with students in their classes with different language profiles • Work with Sara Ottow, a consultant from WIDA (an inclusive language

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The AISB Secondary School welcomes 490 students between the ages of 11 and 19 in Grades 6 to 12. Under the direction of Secondary School Principal Mr. Jon Cain and Vice Principal Ms. Fiona Moss, students learn in dynamic facilities: resource full classrooms, modern science laboratories, fantastic art ateliers, theaters, and music rooms, and extensive sports fields and courts. Secondary School students follow the IB Middle Years Programme between Grades 6 to 10 and most continue to complete the full IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12.

organization) for two weeks during the school year • Middle level leaders continued their work with Leadership Consultant, Dr. Fran Prolman with focus on school improvement and instructional strategies as well as communication skills, critical thinking and organizational development. She supported us in leadership efficiency and to implement and direct improvements in the Secondary

CURRICULAR INITIATIVES: • Introduction of Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) and Design Technology at the Diploma Program (DP) Level

• Requirement for Journalism (Design) at the 9th grade Level • All 6-8 students will take a trimester of Music, Drama & Art

TECHNOLOGY: • Completed transition from 365 to Google as a learning platform within the school • Began a relationship with Learning Analytics to graphically display multiple sets of student data LEARNING SUPPORT: • Improved the communication between the Elementary and Secondary Schools

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

490 children 45 nationalities 24 languages 74 teachers 69% MA / PhD 20 class size www.aisb.ro

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• Began an Academic Assistance program for 4 students that would not have typically been accepted into 6th grade AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: • Introduction of Wednesday student led activities • Continue expansion of service group

“While we hold our students to high expectations in terms of their academic achievement and character development, we realize that twentyfour points on an IB Diploma can be just as great a success as a forty-two point diploma. And simply trying out for a role in a theatre production can be as great a success as getting the lead.

Our main goal as a school is to have each student achieve his or her best.” Jon Cain

ADDITIONAL STAFFING • Addition of a Secondary School Counselor to work with 8th and 9th grade based on feedback from parents, students and staff • Addition of DP Design teacher in line with strategic initiatives (Design Center)

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME RESULTS 2018 TRENDS AT AISB 2018

TRENDS & AVERAGES

2017 2016 2015

2014

Registered candidates

56

47

55

47

38

Diploma candidates

51

42

54

44

35

Diploma candidates %

91

89

98

94

92

IB diplomas awarded

45

36

46

39

34

IB diplomas awarded %

88

86

85

89

97

2015

2014

Highest points earned

2018 42

2017 2016 42

45

45

43

Lowest points earned

19

21

19

22

22

MEAN # of points earned by diploma candidates

34

33

33

34

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Possible Predictions

Total Predicted Points Reported to Universities Oct-Dec

444 1761

Total Predicted Points Reported to IBO in April

1766

Actual Points

1748

Accuracy Oct-Dec

96.6%

Accuracy April

95.5% www.aisb.ro

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PREDICTED vs ACTUAL DATA

DISTRIBUTION OF OVERALL POINTS

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

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ADMISSIONS REPORT

AISB has a richly diversified population of nearly 1000 students from 60 nationalities attending Early Childhood 2 through Grade 12. Romanians comprise approximately 30% of the student population, North Americans 14%, and Turkish, Israeli and Germans approximately 4% each. The balance are from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and South and Central America.

Cătălina Gărdescu Manager of Admissions & External Relations

In the 55th school year of the American International School of Bucharest, the admissions office continued to uphold the enrollment policy, striving to create a diverse community of learners.

The school year started with 940 students from 59 countries enrolled and ended with 984 students from 64 countries, a clear upward path for enrollment. This growth was drawn almost solely from international families as the quota of 30% per class was met for Romanian students in almost every grade.

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There were 31 native languages spoken around the campus at the beginning of the school year and 35 at the end of the year.

The school remained popular among international corporations relocating expats to Bucharest.

Enrollment saw an increase from business area such as oil & gas, car manufacturers and consumer goods. Several students transferred to AISB from around the world as part of diplomatic missions as well.

ENROLLMENT POLICY As guided by the Mission of the School, The American International School of Bucharest (AISB) engages learners in a rigorous and balanced international education, prepares them to realize their full potential, and inspires them to be successful and responsible global citizens.

AISB is a diverse and challenging learning environment for students aged 2–19, who can benefit from an international, English language education.

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

984 students 60 countries 34 languages 70% international students

12 scholarship students

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TOP 6 NATIONALITIES: Romania: 30% / 281 students USA: 15% / 135 students Turkey: 6% / 58 students Israel: 5% / 46 students Britain: 4% / 35 students

TOP 5 LANGUAGES: Romanian: 32% / 304 students English: 27% / 258 students Turkish: 6% / 54 students Hebrew: 4% / 41 students Spanish: 5% / 43 students

China: 4% / 35 students

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

ADVANCEMENT & FUNDRAISING ADVANCEMENT: The Advancement Office supports the school in its growth, innovation and success in many ways across the campus. A major focus for the 2017-2018 school

year has been on the efforts by the Board of Trustees to enhance school facilities.

In supporting the advancement of the school, the year was filled with

FUNDRAISING: December 2017 saw the closing of the “Step Into The Extraordinary” Capital Campaign. Many thanks to all members of the AISB community and outside of the school community who donated their time and money to this project.

the increasingly more focused integration of communications, admissions, alumni networking, community feedback and fundraising efforts.

This reflects the success of the campaign, as well as the heart and faith of the community to invest in the future of the students.

Even beyond the formal campaign period, members of the AISB community continued to bring their contributions forward in support of the efforts of AISB.

STEP INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY CAMPAIGN PROGRESS - FEB. 2017 - AUG. 2018

€588,038.94 €500,000 €450,870.94

Silent Phase Sep. 2016 Feb. 2017 €82,168.00

Donations Since Launch February 2017

Total Raised Including Pledges

Campaign Goal

Pledges Since Launch Feb. 2017 €25,000.00

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Once the Board of Trustees approved the investment, architectural plans were drawn up and the finalized plan ready to send in December 2018. The estimated start for the building of the AISB Design & Engineering Center is February 2019.

DESIGN CENTER

Thank you to all the AISB Design & Engineering Center supporters (in alphabetical order below):

• • • • • • •

The AISB Board of Trustees The AISB PTO The AISB Faculty and Staff Andreea Voinea Aston Com SA Aaylex The Avram Family

• • • • • • •

CEZ Concept Consult & Prospect Crisman Optim SRL The Dobrescu family Elsid SA Titu The Lupu Family Macromex

• Mantzari International & Mantzari Europlast • SC Morex Stones SRL • The Perini family • Synergy • The Tudor family

We also thank all our sponsors who are represented on our Legacy of Giving wall and school website.

Without your continuous support we would not be able to engage, prepare and most of all inspire our students.

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

COMMUNICATIONS We take our role in communicating information, events and changes to our community seriously.

This year, we continued to keep our parent and student community informed through weekly and monthly newsletters.

We streamlined more and more of our communication through these tools.

WORLD Magazine, the school’s best-read publication, continued to showcase important alumni news, prominent figures from the school and alumni community, and to tell stories of success created once the AISB adventure was over.

In preparation for the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), compulsory in the European Union, the External Relations office underwent a

publications and communications audit to ensure that data is protected and shared only in common agreement with recipients.

Our website, social media channels and other press appearances continue to be tightly monitored to make sure they reflect the abundance of activities that happen at school in a safe environment from the point of data protection.

THE ALUMNI WORLD MAGAZINE • Continues to be the most successful AISB publication • Relevant content and growing interest within the online and in print community • Currently featured in the National Library

WEEKLY & MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS • Means to keep the AISB community in touch with all of the important announcements and news from the school • Emailed to all parents every Friday and at the end of the month

AISB YEARBOOK • Enabling students and parents to reflect on the year past, its activities, achievements and lessons.

• Increased readership

• The Monthly edition is public

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THE AISB WEBSITE

DIRECTOR’S BLOG

• Updated to reflect the realities of the 2017-2018 school year

• Opportunity to delve into the educational philosophies developed after years in international education

• Continued auditing to guarantee effectiveness

• Social media tools used to broadcast school news

• A great way to learn about AISB’s educational and facilities development plans

• New school video AISB NOTICEBOARD • Highlights school events and activities

• Communicating with the school Director

GDPR: OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AT AISB: The American International School of Bucharest (“AISB”) processes personal data on its prospective, current and former students and their parents or legal representatives, as part of its everyday operations of providing educational services.

AISB handles your personal data according to the General Data Protection Regulation no. 679 / 2016 applicable in the European Union (“GDPR”). For these purposes, AISB acts as controller with regard to your personal data and the personal data of students (“Personal Data”), meaning AISB

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AISB FACEBOOK PAGE; INSTAGRAM; LINKEDIN; TWITTER

• A tool used by current and former parents as well as people not affiliated with AISB to keep in touch with our community

establishes the purposes and means of processing the Personal Data. For the purposes of this Privacy Notice, please note that the term “processing” shall represent any operation performed on Personal Data, whether or not by automated means such as collection, recording, storage, adaptation, alteration, consultation, use, disclosure by any means, erasure or destruction.

AISB wishes to be completely transparent with regard to the processing of Personal Data and therefore, we have presented below all the information you may need on this subject matter.

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

AISB CHILD PROTECTION POLICY CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement

Safeguarding and Child Protection is a priority for every CEESA School.

CEESA commits to supporting school environments that safeguard children through both prevention and intervention.

CEESA works in cooperation with international agencies to ensure

standards associated with best practices are regularly reviewed, revised, and applied in all operations, activities, and events.

CEESA leaders honor and uphold child protection guidelines and procedures, in partnership with all stakeholders in their respective school communities.

All CEESA schools will: 1. Actively uphold the CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement

2. Implement School based Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies and Procedures that includes regular onsite training 3. Employ Safe Recruitment Practices consistent with Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies 4. Educate students and adults on Safeguarding and Child Protection For further information, please review the AISB SAFE COMMUNITY document.

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ALUMNI REPORT

Over the past year, we have repositioned the AISB Alumni Association to align with the interests of a) Alumni b) Current Students & Parents c) AISB

REUNION We organized a USA Reunion in New York this year, which was a fantastic event with a greater than expected attendance.

Additionally, we organized a few smaller scale reunions in Bucharest.

d) Alumni Team and Delegates This year we have continued to work strategically to add value to our community IN-SCHOOL EVENTS • University application • Career Speed Networking • Letting GO • Senior Brunch • Multiple school visits from alumni • Events hosted by the Generation Empowerment Center (California, USA) run by Regine Muradian, Class of 1996

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WORLD ALUMNI MAGAZINE (WM) Each year we publish two issues of the WM. Our issues this past school year have highlighted the success of our alumni through interviews, articles and photos.

Our team works tirelessly to spotlight our alumni and the impact that AISB has had on their lives and accomplishments.

A single interview can take over 1 year to complete in full, our team strives to gain valuable content to maintain a very reputable publication.

SOCIAL MEDIA Our main goal moving into 2018 was to centralize everything pertaining to the AISB Alumni Association on alumni.aisb. ro. This is now where all alumni information can be found. It was a very long and work intensive process to change systems, move data and launch the service.

This process will take some time, but the value brought to the community by this reorganization is significant.

ALUMNI BOARD ELECTIONS In June we concluded our 20182020 AISB Alumni Association Board elections, with a majority of over 90% in favor of the candidates appointed.

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

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PARENT SURVEY

ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WITH 10 BEING THE BEST, HOW WOULD YOU RANK STUDENT SAFETY AT AISB?

9 8.5

8.2

8

8.1

7.6 2017 - 2018

2016 - 2017

6

2014 - 2015

6.5

2015 - 2016

7

9.0

8.8

8.5

7.5

7.5

7

7

6.5 6

8.5

8.5

8

8.3

2017 - 2018

7.5

8.1

2014 - 2015

8

2015 - 2016

8.5

9 8.9

2017 - 2018

9

10

2016 - 2017

10

ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WITH 10 BEING THE BEST, HOW WOULD YOU RANK THE LEADERSHIP TEAM’S PERFORMANCE AT AISB?

6.5 6

7.8

2015 - 2016

10

2016 - 2017

ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WITH 10 BEING THE BEST, HOW WOULD YOU RANK THE EDUCATION PROVIDED AT AISB?

I BELIEVE THE CAMPUS BUILDINGS & FACILITIES ARE ADEQUATE FOR STUDENTS’ NEEDS

100% 90% 80% 70% 60%

0%

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

Mostly true

Mostly true

Mostly true

Mostly true

2017 2018 Not true

2015 2016

Not true

2016 2017

Not true

2017 2018

Not true

2014 2015

I can’t say

2016 2017 I can’t say

10%

2015 2016 I can’t say

20%

2014 2015 I can’t say

30%

2015 2016 2014 2015

2016 2017 Absolutely true

2017 2018

40%

Absolutely true

2015 2016

Absolutely true

2014 2015

2017 2018

2016 2017

Absolutely true

50%

YOU SAID. WE LISTENED! We take feedback seriously and the feedback parents provide informs changes to our processes and services. In an effort to improve parent satisfaction and make it easier to communicate with the school, AISB has published a fifty page booklet entitled “10 Things You Need to Know About AISB�. It contains helpful information about what is needed for the school start, computer specifications, important office contacts, PTO events and many other pertinent details.

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FACILITIES REPORT

The Facilities Department at AISB is committed to to effectively and efficiently provide services that foster the success of our students, and supports our faculty, staff, and community visitors.

Andrei Văcăruș Facilities Director

With a growth mindset comes growth to the campus facilities, expanding our spaces to support student learning and innovation.

The 2017-2018 school year continued to be a busy time for expansion as it saw the completion of the Early Learning Center ringing in the new academic year and continued by breaking ground for the Secondary School expansion.

The department has responsibility for the provision of campus planning and development, grounds and facility services, and a safe and accessible campus, including transport and parking services.

• Reinforced wall relocation

• Re-turfing under the ES portable

• Fine Arts office in the backstage hallway

• Elevated rock garden cafeteria exit towards Central Park (Secondary School building)

• Ramp filling in to increase the hallway width (on the band room side) • Replace button door opener with ID card reader • ES Principal’s and secretary offices construction in the ES hallway • ES Portables removal

But this was only a part of the continuous work to improve and upgrade campus facilities.

• Building three rehearsal rooms in room #11 (e.g.: EC2 room)

The following is a snippet of the ongoing process involved in keeping our campus flourishing along with our community:

• Additional automated irrigation on sports field

• Board Room storage enlargement & soundproofing

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• Reconfiguration and addition of various and common areas

• Multisport rubber field near existing gym

• Covered walkway between cafeteria and Secondary School building • TRAFO station upgrading • New power generator addition • Pedestrian crossings in the school parking lot • Concrete farm fence renovation • ELC wooden toy relocation in the new building • New ELC building fencing and various projects in the ELC Campus • Artificial soccer pitch • New Senior Student’s Coffee Shop • Child protection improvements in various areas of the school

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

30+ projects

completed

10 hectare

campus

Early Learning Center Construction

Started Secondary School Expansion

New Senior Cafe

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PTO REPORT Sian Ashenden PTO President

On behalf of the Parent Teacher Organization at AISB I would like to thank the community for your support during the 2017-2018 school year. From the first Welcome Coffee to the Teacher and Staff Appreciation buffet, the PTO worked hard to engage families throughout the year.

One of the main goals of the PTO is to provide resources that support the education of the students at AISB and to build and support relationships between the school administration, parents and teachers. We are a volunteerbased organization, relying on our members to assist us in reaching this goal and over the years we have been fortunate enough to have many dedicated people helping us make this a reality.

A special thank you goes to the Executive Board. Your dedication is amazing and inspiring, and your ideas and energy make so many things possible. We held

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parent meetings and workshops on a wide variety of topics, for parents of students at all levels of the school, to enable us to come together and learn how to best support our students.

The PTO Annual Gala is another way we are able to support the school in a meaningful and relevant way. The proceeds from this event have funded scholarships for over 40 highly qualified students from the local community who would not have been able to attend AISB otherwise. For the past two years we have also made major contributions to the AISB Design & Engineering Center, a unique

state-of-the-art learning center that will allow students of all ages to explore, innovate and learn in a new way.

Masquerade Night, the 21st edition of the AISB PTO AUCTION GALA, generated over 50,000 Euro thanks to the donations of our community members and friends of AISB. The Auction Gala is an outstanding tradition in this community, and it makes a difference in the lives of all students.

Due to your generosity, this year’s Gala was our most successful and we were able to donate 40,000 Euro to the Design & Engineering Center and 10,000 Euro to the Scholarship Fund.

CULTURAL EVENTS As every year, the PTO supported the school by organizing a variety of cultural events designed to bring families together to celebrate our diversity.

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

PTO GRANTS APPROVED DURING THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR INCLUDE:

€1000

THIRD MILLENNIUM STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

€160

€5000

€2000

FREEDOM FROM CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY SPECIALISTS

HEALTHY STUDENT INITIATIVE

€200

€500

ROMANIAN AUTHOR VISITS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FRUIT FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

READING FOR PLEASURE PROJECT ROMANIAN BOOKS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

€50

THIRSTY VAMPIRE

FTC COMPETITION

BOOKMARKS FOR PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM

FIRST TEEN CHALLENGE FOR ROBOTICS

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The year began, as it always has, with the annual Terry Fox Run & PTO Welcome Back BBQ, a wonderful event gathering the community after summer break.

Our Early Childhood Center and Primary Years students thank the many adult and student volunteers that put together the spooky and fun Halloween event in October.

The first of our “Nationality” events was the culinary extravaganza known as the Harvest Festival, followed by our celebration of the many winter holidays known as the Festival of Lights.

Our largest celebration of the year was International Day, a wonderful culmination of the year. Include the PTO Auction Gala and we had a full calendar!

PARENT MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS In order to engage parents, meetings and workshops on a variety of topics were held throughout the year, including but not limited to: • Introducing/Understanding the MYP • Making the most of our International Community • Transition Workshops for New Families and Departing Families • Cyber Safety • Learning Resources & Information Literacy • Parenting Matters workshops • Child Protection Training for Parents • IB Assessments and Understanding your Child’s Report Card • Steps to Success in the DP • Managebac Training

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In addition, there was a monthly PTO General meeting and regular meetings with the Early Learning Center, Elementary School and Secondary School Principals and the Secondary School Counselors.

All-in-all, we created and managed over 90 parent meetings, workshops and information sessions this year.

Thank you to everyone who assisted the PTO. Large or small, your contribution was critical in enabling us to continue our mission; we truly could not do it without you.

Warm regards, Sian Ashenden PTO President

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

Masquerade Night, the 21st edition of the AISB PTO AUCTION GALA, generated over 50,000 Euro thanks to the donations of our community members and friends of AISB.

www.aisb.ro

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES We offer students the best of the American and International educational traditions, as well as the benefits of access to the rich culture and heritage of Romania. A rigorous curriculum, based on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs, prepares students for success in universities worldwide.

The school provides a safe learning environment that enables critical thinking and risk taking, engendering a love of learning. An emphasis upon inquiry, teamwork, mutual respect, and collaboration is balanced by sensitivity to the needs of individuals and to their varying learning styles.

AISB promotes a healthy and well-balanced perspective on life in its mix of curricular and co-curricular activities, with programs that reach beyond the classroom into the community. We are committed to preparing students for a life of responsible world citizenship who are able to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex twenty first century.

CURRICULUM AND PROGRAMS •

Provide students with a sequential, diversified and dynamic program of study.

•

Create communities of reflective, independent learners, to enhance deep understanding within disciplines.

•

Engage in exemplary educational practices supported by research, professional reflection, and dialogue.

•

Foster significant student/teacher relationships.

CITIZENSHIP •

Appreciate and celebrate diversity.

•

Develop a social climate promoting international understanding and community service.

•

Prepare our students to be knowledgeable about the environment and to be responsive to environmental concerns

SCHOOL COMMUNITY •

Encourage collaboration between parents and the school so that parents are actively involved in the education of their children.

•

Foster a sense of community among all of the constituents of the school based on cooperation, mutual respect, and open and effective communication.

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Blvd. Pipera 196 Voluntari, Jud. Ilfov 077190, Romania Tel: (40-21) 204-4300 Fax: (40-21) 204-4384 office@aisb.ro www.aisb.ro

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2018

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